A North Carolina man, newly released from prison, was arrested again after he allegedly murdered his mother and younger brother. The man, whom authorities identified as Da’ron Donta Jenkins, reportedly committed the heinous crime in the Wilson community Monday evening.
The victims were fatally shot inside a home on Snowden Drive. According to a report, the police responded to what was described as “an unknown type call” around 5:30 p.m. Law enforcement discovered the lifeless bodies when they arrived at the scene. The deceased were identified as 50-year-old Dana Vanessa Jenkins and her teenage son, 15-year-old Daryn Cox.
Investigators confirmed that Dana was Da’ron’s mother, but he did not share the same father as Daryn, making them half-siblings. Following the discovery, the police detained Da’ron and brought him into custody. He was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
While the details surrounding the cause are limited as the investigation continues, court records have indicated that Da’ron Jenkins was arrested before the murder on unrelated charges. He was released just last week, and then he killed his family, landing him back in prison.
The relatives of the victims plunged into mourning. Dana’s cousin, Juanilla Kornegay, who is also a next-door neighbour, expressed her disbelief and sorrow. “She was a very sweet person. Always smiled. I can see her smile right now. She always smiled. “She went to work and came home. She took care of her youngest son,” Kornegay said. She added that she never knew Jenkins would do such a thing and stated, “That hurt. It really bothered me, and I still haven’t got over it.”
Additionally, Bishop Sherman Blandon of Mount Moriah Community Church remembered the victims who attended his church fondly. “Their smiles were infectious. They would both light up a room,” Blandon said.
Daryn, a student at Beddingfield High School, was known not only for his academic pursuits but also for his active involvement in church activities, where he played music and served on the media team.
Da’ron Jenkins remains in the Wilson County jail with no bond set. On Tuesday, he had his first court appearance. Meanwhile, Wilson Police continue to probe the murder and are urging anyone with information to report it to the police.